Business in the Liberal Arts

We believe that tomorrow's business leaders must understand their role within a business organization (both for profit and not-for profit) and how individuals interact within an organization, as well as be engaged citizens of the world. We've designed the elective portion of our major to ensure you graduate with the tools you need for success in business.

Every business in the liberal arts major is required to complete one course from three of the following four areas. 

Social Responsibility

In order to become a successful business leader, you will need to be mindful of the full implications of your products and services, work environments, and relationship to your communities. We will require you to take courses that challenge you to think through all the implications of business decisions as well as evaluate the implicit values in the seeking of profit. We want our students who become future business leaders to be voices for more holistic decision-making that balances civic obligation, environmental sustainability, and profitability.

Social Context

If you plan to enter the business world, you must be cognizant of the social contexts within which all businesses operate. Courses that examine the complexity of society and social interaction, human learning and or personality will prepare you to be mindful of social contexts and, where appropriate, your place within them. Such preparation will help you appreciate the ways in which business functions internally as well as part of a larger whole. The courses available to students in this elective area address domestic and/or global social contexts.

Analytical Thinking

Business leaders must be prepared to confront new innovations that continuously arise in a dynamic world. To this end, we believe that you must have exposure to scientific and analytic methods and should be prepared to evaluate the costs and benefits brought forth by an innovation. The courses in this area inherently foster analytical problem-solving skills and will prepare you to make informed choices regarding innovations.

Global Citizenship

The high degree of global economic activity and communication that characterizes the world of the 21st century demands that those entering the business world come prepared for that reality. As a business in the liberal arts major, you will take at least one course that introduces you to global cultural, historical, or political economic issues. We want you to maximize the opportunities to familiarize yourself with global issues or particular areas of the world beyond the one course requirement.

Experiential Learning Component

The required experiential learning component of our business in the liberal arts major provides you with an opportunity to understand the critical questions confronting business leaders of the day. This can include an internship, Community-based Learning experience, or taking part in off-campus study.

Community-Based Learning

Community-based learning courses allow you to bring a business mindset to a good cause. You’ll apply what you’re learning in real-life situations, while also helping a local organization fulfill its mission.

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Off-Campus Study

Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered around the United States or one of 20+ international locations and including China, India, Japan, and Germany. 

The Liberal Arts in New York City

The Liberal Arts in New York City Semester program will give you the chance to study, intern, and explore everything the Big Apple has to offer through your finance or non-profit & arts management academic concentration. Spend four full days each week gaining a deeper understanding of your selected field through an internship experience.

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Internships

Gain real-world experience in a professional setting. Business in the liberal arts majors often find internships that combine their majors and areas of interests. Recent internship sites have included:

• Wells Fargo
• World of Change
• TD Ameritrade Institutional
• T. Schreiber Studio & Theatre
• Energy & Transit Engineering, Inc.
• Boston Red Sox

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Connect with Community

Among the 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, you’ll find many that involve financial management, entrepreneurship, and fiscal policy, including: 

• Future Entrepreneurs of America
• Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE)
• Class Council
• Crown Royalties Investment Club
• Peer Mentoring
• Model U.N. 
• Sports Analytics Club
• TEDxStLawrenceU
• The Hill News
• SLU Legal

Learn More About Student Life

Alumni Network

There is no shortage of experts in the business and finance world who also identify as Laurentians. Our alumni network is the second-most influential source for recent graduate employment (only behind internships). Our Center for Career Excellence team offers incredible professional development programs and facilitate mentoring opportunities for students to network with successful St. Lawrence alumni who are leading businesses and organizations around the world.

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Outcomes

Our alumni make an impact as they take the lead on money management while lending their knowledge to keep St. Lawrence competitive in the higher ed landscape.  After graduation, Laurentians go on to make an impact on companies and communities around the world. 

With nearly endless ways to combine business with other areas of study, St. Lawrence alumni are doing exciting things in their communities and at companies such as: 

• Bank of America
• Brookings
• eBay
• Goldman Sachs
• Google
• IBM
• Tory Burch

Learn About Success After St. Lawrence